Faucet and line cleaning apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for flushing and pressure soaking hydraulic fluid handling lines, with a determinably concentrated cleaning admixture; and for simultaneously cleaning the internal workings of the faucets involved therewith. Beer dispensing lines and faucets are adapted to be cleaned in order to eliminate the build-up therein which causes off-taste beer. The apparatus is portable and devoid of hydraulic complexities, and it involves a pressured water supply, an admixing means with a supply of cleaner measurably applied, and a canister to contain the internal workings of the faucet, and all of which is connected to a line to be cleaned, there being inlet and outlet valves for the sequential filling, soaking and rinsing operations that inherently follow in said order.

Brown Aug. 20, 1974 FAUCET AND LINE CLEANING APPARATUS [76] Inventor: Jerome D. Brown, 3237 Par Dr., La Mesa, Calif. 92041 22 Filed: Apr. 19, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 352,533

Primary ExaminerRobert L. Bleutge [5 7] ABSTRACT An apparatus for flushing and pressure soaking hydraulic fluid handling lines, with a determinably concentrated cleaning admixture; and for simultaneously cleaning the internal workings of the faucets involved therewith. Beer dispensing lines and faucets are adapted to be cleaned in order to eliminate the buildup therein which causes off-taste beer. The apparatus is portable and devoid of hydraulic complexities, and it involves a pressured water supply, an admixing means with a supply of cleaner measurably applied, and a canister to contain the internal workings of the faucet, and all of which is connected to a line to be cleaned, there being inlet and outlet valves for the sequential filling, soaking and rinsing operations that inherently follow in said order.

23 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures Honorof 1341100 0 PATmlmmszmsn FAUCET AND LINE CLEANING APPARATUS BACKGROUND This invention relates to apparatus adapted to clean beer lines and faucet parts, in order to prevent the build-up of yeast or beer stone. Although other hydraulic systems can be cleaned or purged by the apparatus hereinafter disclosed, it is a beer dispensing system to which it is particularly adaptable. Generally, a beer dispensing system involves a tube of known diameter up to 100 feet long or more, extending from a beer keg or barrel to a faucet. Various tube fittings (or pipe) are employed for the unobstructed passage of beer to the dispensing faucet, and the faucet includes various flow controlling parts which vary in number and configuration. Thus, a beer line of known diameter, say for example 3/16 inch diameter, and of known length, say for example 18 feet, has a volume of 3 ounces of liquid; and in practice such lines can be up to A inch diameter with volume varied accordingly. In any case, the volume of such a line is readily determinable in order to arrive at the desired ratio of rinse liquid to be flushed through said line.

Faucets are most vulnerable to the build-up of yeast or beer stone, and the ordinary flushing methods whereby cleaning fluid is pumped back and forth therethrough are not altogether satisfactory. That is, the internal workings of such faucets are intricate and defy the complete removal of the build-up. However, for sanitary purposes these valves or faucets are readily dismantled for cleaning, and which is a necessity in the prevention of off-taste beer.

The flushing which characterizes the cleaning of beer lines includes the use of chemical cleaners in liquid form that are admixed with a quantity of clean water and forced through the beer line and faucets. I-Ieretofore, the concentration of these chemicals has been a matter of guess work with no assurance that a proper concentration has been used.

It is to these ends that it is a general object of this invention to provide faucet and line cleaning apparatus for the purpose referred to that flushes the line and washes all faucet parts on the basis of a ratio of flushing liquid to line volume, while admixing thereto a measured amount of chemical cleaner for a determinable flush liquid concentration; and all to the end that the process of line and faucet cleaning is effectively executed with assurance in each instance.

FIELD OF INVENTION Hydraulic lines and valves, such as those used in dispensing beer, are required to be cleaned from time to time; and to do so they are disconnected from their usual source of fluid pressure and reconnected to flushing liquid under pressure. Pressure can be applied in various ways, as by pumps or pressured fluid displacement, and a flushing liquid forced under pressure through the line and open valve to be cleaned. The flushing liquid is activated by admixing a chemical cleaner therewith, and a rinsing liquid of clean water follows; and all of which involves guess work with the prior art concepts which involve batch mixing of the chemical cleaner, not necessarily admixed to the optimum concentration for each installation to be cleaned. Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide means whereby an optimum chemical to water admixture is obtainable for each installation to be cleaned. With the present invention a chemical cleaner is stored in the apparatus and selectively useable for each installation processed, as circumstances require.

It is also an object of this invention to provide mixing means for the initial application of a most concentrated chemical-water flushing liquid, followed by a progressive weakening thereof and by the eventual application of clean rinse water; and all without resort to valve controls and the like which characterize the prior art apparatus.

It is another object of this invention to provide canister means for the containment of the internal working parts of the faucet valve which is to be cleaned, and from which air is displaced and whereby the faucet and parts and line to be cleaned are held under pressure and subject to soaking in the chemical-water admixture for a time period sufficient to clean the same, as required.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a cleaning apparatus of the character above referred to that is sanitary in every respect. The fluid connections used are complementary to those used in the system cleaned, and they are connectable therewith. And, the apparatus fixtures are embodied in transparent materials by means of which the stages of the cleaning processes are observed. With the present invention, the quantity of the chemical used is observedly measurable prior to each cleaning application, and the condition of the faucet parts can be observed while the process is in operation.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION This faucet and line cleaning apparatus involves the pressure application of a measured amount of liquid chemical admixed to water and to which the line and faucet to be cleaned are subjected for a period of time, and this to be followed by rinsing with clean water. The apparatus is embodied in a combination of correlated fixtures including, generally, a pressured water supply means A, an admixing means B with a chemical supply means C therefor, a connection means D for charging liquid into the line to be cleaned, a canister means E for containing faucet parts and the like to be cleaned, a connection means F for mounting the canister means on the discharge end of the line to be cleaned, and control means 0 for holding and/or discharging liquid through the apparatus.

DRAWINGS The various objects and features of this invention will be fully understood from the following detailed de scription of the typical preferred form and application thereof, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing a typical installation of the fixtures which comprise the apparatus of the pres ent invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the lowermost fixture shown in FIG. 1 which measurably dispenses cleaner into the line to be cleaned.

FIG. 3 is a side view taken as indicated by line 3 -3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the uppermost fixture shown in FIG. 1 which contains-the faucet parts to be cleaned.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The basic elements of a beer dispensing system are shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings and which involves a beer line that extends from a beer supply in the form of a keg or barrel 11, and to a faucet 12. The beer line 10 is a pipe or tube, preferably a plastic tube, with a coupling 13 normally screw threaded onto the tap valve 14 of the barrel 11, and with a coupling 15 onto the bent tube 16, or like plumbing which carries the faucet 12. The coupling 13 is removeable from the tap valve 14 so as to be joined to the connection means D which comprises a male member 17 (see FIG. 2) that threads into the female member of said coupling 13. The faucet 12, the body 18 of which is shown fixed onto the bent tube 16 involves internal parts (indicated in FIG. 1) that are removed and contained within the canister means E during the cleaning operation. The apparatus is shown in condition for cleaning the line 10 and internal parts of faucet 12.

Referring now to the pressured water supply means A, portability is a requirement for the equipment under consideration, and to this end a pressurized water supply tank 20 is provided. In practice, the quantity of water required is relatively small so that several gallons thereof will suffice. Pressure can be generated in various ways, and a compact and reliable pressure source which can be accurately controlled is the pressurized gas cylinder 21 and regulator 22 with the usual gauges 23 and a control 24 set for 28-30 psi. There is a valve 25 in a line 26 to the tank 20 which is normally closed, and a siphon tube 27 enters the tank and projects into the lower portion thereof to receive water stored therein through a cap or cover 28. In accordance with this invention, the siphon tube 27 carries the receptacle member 30 of a quick disconnection fluid coupling located at the exterior of the tank and disposed on a vertical axis to receiveably support the fixture of the apparatus which involves the admixing means B and its supply means C, as hereinafter described.

The admixing means B and its supply means C are embodied in a fixture detatchably supported upon the tank 20 of means A by the receptacle member 30, and to this end the fixture has a complementary male mem ber 31 that is releasably engaged with the aforementioned receptacle member 30. The said fixture is preferably a body of transparent material with spaced upper and lower chambers 32 and 33 comprising the means C and B formed therein and interconnected as will be described.

Chamber 32 is sizeable, containing fourteen liquid ounces, and is vertically disposed with a removeable cover 34 for filling and cleaning. As shown, a vent valve 35 is manually operable to open the upper end of the chamber 32 to atmosphere.

The chamber 33 is horizontally disposed and underlies the chamber 32, chamber 33 being substantially elongated with a center inlet 36 from the siphon tube 27 and connected members 30 and 31, and with a remote outlet 37 at one end thereof in communication with the threaded male fitting M that comprises the connection means D and onto which the coupling 13 is tightened for charging liquid into the beer line 10. As shown, a removeable plug 38 closes one end of the chamber 33, whereby cleanout is facilitated.

In accordance with this invention, there is the interconnection of chambers 32 and 33 by means of a manually controllable valve 40, by which chemical cleaner liquid stored in chamber 32 can be measurably dispensed and allowed to flow by gravity into the chamber 33. As shown in FIG. 3, the side walls of the fixture are calibrated at 41 to indicate the volume of liquid dispensed into the chamber 33, this operation being performed when outlet 37 is opened to atmosphere.

Referring now to the canister means E and its connection means F, these two means and the control means G are embodied in a fixture detatchably supported on the faucet 12 by means of a complementary male member 42 coupled to the faucet 12 by a threaded nut 43. In any case, the member 42 provides open communication between the interior of the remaining installed portion of faucet l2 and the chamber 44 within the canister E. As shown, the canister E is a cylindrical container of transparent material with a screw-on cap, vented at the top with a manually operable valve 45 that opens to atmosphere, and with a drain valve 46 comprising the control means G open from the bottom of the chamber 44.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have provided a relatively simple apparatus of minimized bulk and light weight. A service man utilizing this apparatus will fill the chamber 32 with a chemical cleaner in the form of a liquid such as Caustic Soda or Caustic Potash. It is to be understood that there is a multitude of concentrated chemical preparations suitable for the purpose of cleaning beer lines and valve parts. The cover 34 is applied and the vent valve is closed during transport, the transfer valve 40 being normally closed; the service man now being prepared for a series of service operations involving the cleaning of beer lines and faucet parts.

In order to service a beer dispensing installation of the character referred to, the service man dispenses the required volume of chemical cleaner into the admixing chamber 33 by opening the dispensing valve 40, and he closes the tap valve 14 and reconnects the coupling 13 to the outlet 3'7 of connection means D, and he disassembles the faucet 12 and places the interior parts thereof in the chamber 44 of the canister means E. The vent valve 45 is opened and the valve 25 is opened with the pressure regulator 22 and control 24 for the gas cylinders 21 set as hereinabove described. Clean water will then forceably enter the admixing chamber 33 where it turbulently comingles with the chemical cleaner therein and subsequently discharges therewith through the outlet 37. The discharge of flushing liquid is forced through beer line 10 and into the canister means E where it displaces atmosphere through valve 45 which is closed as and when the chamber 45 is filled with liquid. Thereupon the system and apparatus becomes pressurized and is left to soak for a time interval as may be required of the chemical cleaner employed. Thereafter the control valve 46 of the means G is opened and which permits the continued flow of clean rinse water to displace the chemicalized flush liquid from the system. The service man then reassembles the faucet l2 and reconnects to and opens the valve 14, which places the beer dispensing system back into operation.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any modifications or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art:

I claim:

1. A hydraulic line cleaning apparatus including; a pressured liquid supply means, a valve controlled connection from the liquid supply means and into said hydraulic line, and an admixing means in said connection and with a supply means of liquid cleaner therefor, there being a dispensing valve from the last mentioned supply means and in a passage controlling the flow of liquid cleaner into the admixing means.

2. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means is a chamber adapted to receive said liquid cleaner and through which the valve controlled connection charges pressurized liquid to be comingled with liquid cleaner and passed into said hydraulic line.

3. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means is an elongated chamber adapted to receive said liquid cleaner and into which the valve controlled connection discharges said pressurized liquid intermediate the ends of said admixing chamber to be comingled with liquid cleaner therein and passed into'said hydraulic line.

4. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor.

5. The line cleaning. apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor, and wherein the said dispensing valve and passage extend between said two chambers for gravity flow.

6. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor, and wherein the said dispensing valve and passage extend between said two chambers for gravity flow, said dispensing valve being normally closed and there being a normally closed vent valve from the supply means chamber, whereby stored liquid cleaner gravitates when the latter valve is opened.

7. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means is a chamber with indicator means showing the level of liquid cleaner dispensed therein.

8. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means and supply means therefor are embodied in transparent material for hygenic visibility.

9. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means and supply means therefor are embodied in transparent material with indications thereon showing the level of liquid content in the said supply means.

10. A hydraulic line and faucet cleaning apparatus wherein the said faucet is disassembled to expose the internal working parts thereof, and including; a pressurized liquid supply means, a valve controlled connection from the liquid supply means and adapted to be coupled to the inlet end of said hydraulic line, and a canister means adapted to be coupled to the outlet end of said hydraulic line and into a chamber therein with a removeable closure therefor and adapted to receive and contain said internal working parts of the faucet, there being a valve means opening from the chamber to discharge fluid therefrom.

11. The hydraulic line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein the last mentioned valve means vents the upper portion of said canister chamber to atmosphere.

12. The hydraulic line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein the last mentioned valve means opens from the lower portion of said canister chamber to discharge liquid therefrom.

13. The hydraulic line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein the last mentioned valve means comprises a valve venting the upper portion of said canister chamber to atmosphere and valve means opening from the lower portion of said canister chamber to discharge liquid therefrom.

14. The hydraulic line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein the said disassembled valve comprises the outlet end of said hydraulic line and wherein connection means couples the canister means thereto.

15. A hydraulic line and faucet cleaning apparatus wherein the said line and said faucet are disconnected and disassembled to expose the internal workings thereof to an admixed liquid cleaner, and including; a-

pressurized liquid supply means, a valve controlled connection from the liquid supply means and adapted to be coupled to the inlet end of said hydraulic line, an admixing means in said connection and with a supply means of liquid cleaner therefor, there being a dispensing valve from the last mentioned supply means and in a passage controlling the flow of liquid cleaner into the admixing means, and a canister means adapted to be coupled to the outlet end of said hydraulic line and into a chamber therein with a removeable closure therefor and adapted to receive and contain the said internal working parts of the faucet, there being a valve means opening from the chamber to discharge fluid therefrom.

16. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor.

17. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor, and wherein the said dispensing valve and passage extend between said two chambers for gravity flow.

18. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor, and wherein the said dispensing valve and passage extend between said two chambers for gravity flow, said dispensing valve being normally closed and there being a normally closed vent valve from the supply means chamber, whereby stored, liquid cleaner gravitates when the latter valve is opened.

19. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the last mentioned valve means vents the upper portion of said canister chamber to atmosphere.

20. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the last mentioned valve means opens from the lower portion of said canister chamber to discharge liquid therefrom.

21. The'line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the said disassembled valve comprises the outlet end of said hydraulic line and wherein connection means couples the canister means thereto.

22. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor, wherein the said dispensing valve and passage extend between said two chambers for gravity flow, and wherein the valve means opening from the canister chamber comprises a valve venting the upper portion of said canister chamber to atmosphere and a valve opening from the lower portion of said canister chamber to discharge liquid therefrom.

23. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor, wherein the said dispensing valve and passage extend between said two chambers for gravity flow, said dispensing valve being normally closed and there being a normally closed vent valve from the supply means chamber, whereby stored liquid cleaner gravitates when the latter valve is opened, and wherein the valve means opening from the canister chamber comprises a valve venting the upper portion of said canister chamber to atmosphere and a valve opening from the lower portion of said canister chamber to discharge liquid therefrom. 

1. A hydraulic line cleaning apparatus including; a pressured liquid supply means, a valve controlled connection from the liquid supply means and into said hydraulic line, and an admixing means in said connection and with a supply means of liquid cleaner therefor, there being a dispensing valve from the last mentioned supply means and in a passage controlling the flow of liquid cleaner into the admixing means.
 2. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means is a chamber adapted to receive said liquid cleaner and through which the valve controlled connection charges pressurized liquid to be comingled with liquid cleaner and passed into said hydraulic line.
 3. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means is an elongated chamber adapted to receive said liquid cleaner and into which the valve controlled connection discharges said pressurized liquid intermediate the ends of said admixing chamber to be comingled with liquid cleaner therein and passed into said hydraulic line.
 4. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor.
 5. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor, and wherein the said dispensing valve and passage extend between said two chambers for gravity flow.
 6. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor, and wherein the said dispensing valve and passage extend between said two chambers for gravity flow, said dispensing valve being normally closed and there being a normally closed vent valve from the supply means chamber, whereby stored liquid cleaner gravitates when the latter valve is opened.
 7. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means is a chamber with indicator means showing the level of liquid cleaner dispensed therein.
 8. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means and supply means therefor are embodied in transparent material for hygenic visibility.
 9. The line cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the admixing means and supply means therefor are embodied in transparent material with indications thereon showing the level of liquid content in the said supply means.
 10. A hydraulic line and faucet cleaning apparatus wherein the said faucet is disassembled to expose the internal working parts thereof, and including; a pressurized liquid supply means, a valve controlled connection from the liquid supply means and adapted to be coupled to the inlet end of said hydraulic line, and a canister means adapted to be coupled to the outlet end of said hydraulic line and into a chamber therein with a removeable closure therefor and adapted to receive and contain said internal working parts of the faucet, there being a valve means opening from the chamber to discharge fluid therefrom.
 11. The hydraulic line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein the last mentioned valve means vents the upper portion of said canister chamber to atmosphere.
 12. The hydraulic line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein the last mentioned valve means opens from the lower portion of said canister chamber to discharge liquid therefrom.
 13. The hydraulic line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein the last mentioned valve means comprises a valve venting the upper portion of said canister chamber to atmosphere and valve means opening from the lower portion of said canister chamber to discharge liquid therefrom.
 14. The hydraulic line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein the said disassembled valve comprises the outlet end of said hydraulic line and wherein connection means couples the canister means thereto.
 15. A hydraulic line and faucet cleaning apparatus wherein the said line and said faucet are disconnected and disassembled to expose the internal workings thereof to an admixed liquid cleaner, and including; a pressurized liquid supply means, a valve controlled connection from the liquid supply means and adapted to be coupled to the inlet end of said hydraulic line, an admixing means in said connection and with a supply means of liquid cleaner therefor, there being a dispensing valve from the last mentioned supply means and in a passage controlling the flow of liquid cleaner into the admixing means, and a canister means adapted to be coupled to the outlet end of said hydraulic line and into a chamber therein with a removeable closure therefor and adapted to receive and contain the said internal working parts of the faucet, there being a valve means opening from the chamber to discharge fluid therefrom.
 16. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber hOlding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor.
 17. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor, and wherein the said dispensing valve and passage extend between said two chambers for gravity flow.
 18. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor, and wherein the said dispensing valve and passage extend between said two chambers for gravity flow, said dispensing valve being normally closed and there being a normally closed vent valve from the supply means chamber, whereby stored liquid cleaner gravitates when the latter valve is opened.
 19. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the last mentioned valve means vents the upper portion of said canister chamber to atmosphere.
 20. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the last mentioned valve means opens from the lower portion of said canister chamber to discharge liquid therefrom.
 21. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the said disassembled valve comprises the outlet end of said hydraulic line and wherein connection means couples the canister means thereto.
 22. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor, wherein the said dispensing valve and passage extend between said two chambers for gravity flow, and wherein the valve means opening from the canister chamber comprises a valve venting the upper portion of said canister chamber to atmosphere and a valve opening from the lower portion of said canister chamber to discharge liquid therefrom.
 23. The line and faucet cleaning apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein the admixing means is a chamber that underlies the supply means in the form of a chamber holding liquid cleaner in reserve therefor, wherein the said dispensing valve and passage extend between said two chambers for gravity flow, said dispensing valve being normally closed and there being a normally closed vent valve from the supply means chamber, whereby stored liquid cleaner gravitates when the latter valve is opened, and wherein the valve means opening from the canister chamber comprises a valve venting the upper portion of said canister chamber to atmosphere and a valve opening from the lower portion of said canister chamber to discharge liquid therefrom. 